As a Clinical Pharmacist, duties include providing medical care to detainees, performing medical histories, exams, diagnoses, treatment plans, and patient education. They coordinate document patient encounters and ensure compliance with IHSC policies. As a Staff Pharmacist, they fill prescriptions, counsel, manage pharmacy stock, handle non-formulary requests. This position is only open to current USPHS officers. USPHS Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates are not eligible for this position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance. Required to jog/fast walk up to ¼ mile. Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling. Must have the ability to assist sick, injured or aging detainees or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than oneself). Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary. Must easily alternate between kneeling and standing. Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds. Must be able to perform the position duties in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: As Clinical Pharmacist: Provides direct medical care services to detainees. Works within Scope of Practice as delineated in their Physician-Clinical Pharmacist Collaborative Practice Agreement and performs functions outlined in the IHSC Pharmaceutical Services Guide. Performs medical histories, physical examinations, makes diagnosis(es), and develops/implements treatment plans. Evaluates and provides care to detainees through scheduled medical appointments, sick call, or as same day walk-in visits. Order special diets and issues special needs for detainees as clinically indicated. Evaluates detainees as frequently as necessary to address medical care needs. Carries out orders authorized by the physician. Provides relevant patient health education to detainees verbally and/or with handouts. Documents all patient encounters using SOAP format, appropriately and thoroughly. Documents medical/psychiatric problems on the Problem List in the detainee's chart. Coordinates health care needs of detainees with other staff members and coordinates referrals to off-site providers as required. Performs record keeping functions in accordance with program policies. Maintains patient confidentiality and confidentiality of medical records. Monitors and optimizes drug therapy regimens Initiates and maintains compliance with IHSC policies for accreditation. Orders and interprets laboratory tests and vital signs monitoring. Orders EKGs to be reviewed by a physician. If a Medical Housing Unit (MHU) is onsite, may admit, discharge, and perform daily rounds on patients and notify the Physician, or Clinical Director of any abnormal findings. Safely handles and properly disposes of all needles/syringes/sharps/biohazard materials. Attends general/medical staff meetings. Participates in QA/QI activities as assigned; completes all training as required/assigned. May serve at other IHSC medical facilities on temporary duty. Staff Pharmacist: Provides pharmacy staffing services when requested, to cover pharmacy vacancies or staff leave. Reads individual prescriptions and determines the name of the drug, strength, and dosage of drugs to be dispensed. Adjusts prescription instructions and drug quantities to correspond to strengths and dosage forms stocked at the medical clinic. Correlates instructions on the prescription with pharmacy policy limitations and notes such on the prescription. Fills prescriptions by obtaining the correct drug stock, counting the correct amount of medication, placing the medication in smaller containers, and affixing the prescription label and all appropriate auxiliary labels. Counsels patients on the appropriate use of medication(s), utilizing the patient's native language if possible, or medication information handouts in the patient's native language if available. Screens all prescriptions upon receipt concerning availability of drug & dosage prescribed. If drug requested is not on formulary, discusses therapeutic options with the provider, suggesting drugs listed in the program formulary where possible. If a non-formulary drug is deemed necessary, assists the provider in filling out a non- formulary request form and obtaining approval where necessary. Answers routine inquiries from doctors, nurses, & other staff on the availability of specific items, e.g., drugs in stock, new drugs on order, & dosage forms available in the pharmacy. Records all prepacking information including lot number, expiration date, manufacturer, current date, and initials. Places orders for supplies from appropriate sources and tracks supply usage to minimize out of stock items or excess inventories. Inspects stock to determine frequency of re-ordering drug items, maintenance of current pricing &proper stock rotation. Withdraws outdated drugs, determines proper disposition (destruction or credit returns) &prepares necessary paperwork to initiate proper action. Is responsible for general orderliness, cleanliness &maintenance of pharmacy equipment. Participates in monthly& annual inventory of pharmacy service as required. Responsible for refilling anymissing pharmacy drug or supply item used during the night. Inspects & logs the temperature of all clinic areas where any type of pharmaceutical is stored. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.